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Bombardier Aerospace (Montréal, Quebec, Canada) confirmed on Jan. 16 that the CSeries aircraft program is making solid progress and initial performance results are in line with the company’s expectations. However, based on a review of the CSeries program after the first flight of the CS100 on Sept. 16, 2013, the flight test phase will require more time than originally anticipated to ensure, amongst other things, that the aircraft has the overall system maturity to support a successful entry into service. The CS100 aircraft’s entry into service is now scheduled for the second half of 2015 and will be followed by the CS300 aircraft’s entry into service approximately six months afterwards.

“We are taking the required time to ensure a flawless entry into service. We are very pleased that no major design changes have been identified. This gives us confidence that we will meet our performance targets,” says Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “While the process has taken more time than we had expected, our suppliers are aligned with the program’s schedule and together we will continue to work closely to move the program steadily forward. With the first flight of flight test vehicle 2 (FTV2) successfully completed on Jan. 3, 2014, the CSeries aircraft program will continue to gain traction over the coming months.”

Designed for the 100- to 149-seat market, the 100 percent new CSeries aircraft family combines advanced materials (including composites), leading-edge technology and proven methods to meet commercial airline requirements. As early January 2014, Bombardier has booked orders and commitments for 445 CSeries aircraft, which include firm orders for 198 CSeries airliners. Some 17 customers and lessees have joined the CSeries aircraft program.